Statham is in his 50th season at the Division II college. He guided the Bearcats past Wisconsin-Parkside 92-85 on the court named in his honor.

The 78-year-old Statham has a career record of 1,098-474. He can top Summitt’s record Saturday when McKendree hosts Lewis.

Tying the record “was the last of my thoughts,” he said. “I’m not worried about it. If I don’t get it today, I get it tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. Those things happen. I’m not into that.”

Summitt went 1,098-208 while guiding the Tennessee women’s team to eight NCAA championships. Statham said he met her several times.